Tomographic scanning X-ray inspection system using transmitted and Compton scattered radiation
X-ray radiation is transmitted through and scattered from an object under inspection to detect weapons, narcotics, explosives or other contraband. Relatively fast scintillators are employed for faster X-ray detection efficiency and significantly improved image resolution. Detector design is improved by the use of optically adiabatic scintillators. Switching between photon-counting and photon integration modes reduces noise and significantly increases overall image quality.
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This application is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No. 10/036,953, filed Oct. 19, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,661,867 B2, entitled “Tomographic Scanning X-Ray Inspection System Using Transmitted And Compton Scattered Radiation”.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to X-ray screening systems for airport luggage and the like; and, more particularly to screening systems that utilize radiation transmitted through and scattered from an object under inspection to detect weapons, narcotics, explosives or other contraband.
2. Description of the Prior Art
X-ray inspection systems that use transmitted radiation have conventionally been employed to detect the shape of high-Z material (Z refers to atomic number) such as steel. The principal objective of these systems is the detection of weapons, such as guns, knives, bombs and the like. A major problem with X-ray inspection systems is the inability thereof to accurately recognize and detect explosives and narcotics made up of low-Z materials. Recently dual energy X-ray systems have been used to improve the detection of low-Z material. Such systems measure the different attenuation that high and low transmitted energy X-rays experience as a result of passage through any material. This principle has allowed the identification of virtually any material so long as the material is not covered by a different Z material. In order to overcome the material overlaying problem, it has been proposed that X-ray transmission be effected from different directions using two X-ray sources, or that the object be scanned from all sides and the results be evaluated with computer tomography.
Another approach for identifying low-Z material involves detecting the Compton scattered radiation along with the transmitted radiation. Low-Z material such as explosives and narcotics generates more scattered radiation than high-Z material like iron. This scattered radiation differential provides a basis for distinguishing between low-Z and high-Z material in instances where the low-Z material is concealed behind high-Z material.
Among the more troublesome problems with X-ray transmission and Compton scatter images are their poor resolution and high noise content. The causes of these problems are traced to: a) the relatively poor light collection method used in converting X-ray photons to light photons; and b) photon integration. Poor light collection presents a problem because it requires use of slow (long persistence) phosphor type X-ray detectors. Such detectors oftentimes create blurred images owing to the slow response time of the excited phosphor. The use of photon integration in conventional signal generation produces noisy images, particularly in cases where the transmitted or backscattered X-ray rates are relatively small. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,260,982 to Fujii et al. discloses a scattered radiation imaging apparatus. The Fujii et al. apparatus employs long persistence phosphor type X-ray detectors and photon integration yielding relatively low resolution, high noise images.
Thus there remains a need in the art for a system and a method of x-ray inspection that would afford more rapid scanning and improved image quality, including higher resolution, reduced noise, and sharper definition of the image. Such improvements would permit items of interest, such as bombs, firearms and other weapons, currency, narcotics, incendiary materials, agents that pose biological, chemical, or radiological danger to people or property, and other contraband shapes and accompaniments to be recognized. Better systems are highly sought, especially in the context of airport screening, but would be equally valuable for courthouses, stadiums, schools, government offices, military installations, correctional institutions, and other public venues that might be targets of terrorist or similar criminal activity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides a system and method for X-ray inspection of an object to detect weapons, narcotics, explosives or other contraband.
When an X-ray photon is absorbed by the scintillator, the scintillator generates photons in the visible part of the spectrum. These photons travel down the scintillator and enter a photon detector, such as a photomultiplier, that is coupled to the scintillator. The photomultiplier effectively converts the photons to electrons that can be processed by electronics for image generation. For the backscatter detector, the X-ray signals will be processed in the counting mode where individual X-rays are counted to generate the Compton backscatter image. For the transmitted beam image, the number of X-ray photons that enter the scintillator can vary over a wide dynamic range that is dependent on the object under inspection. In the case where there is no object or a very weak absorbing object the X-ray rate on the scintillator can be so high that counting individual X-rays is not possible. On the other extreme, for a highly attenuating object the X-ray rate would be very low or even zero. To accommodate this wide range of X-ray rates, the transmission detector system operates in a combined mode comprised of photon counting and photon integrating modes, where the mode is dynamically selected depending on the X-ray rate. This optimized method of collecting X-ray signals yields a superior image, as opposed to using only photon counting or photon integration.
The spatial resolution in the horizontal plane is accomplished via a pencil beam scanning across the inspection tunnel while a conveyor moves the object through the inspection tunnel. As only one line through the object is excited by the pencil beam at any time, the radiation captured by any scintillation detector is independent from the locus of the scintillation material that is actually hit by an X-ray photon, and must originate from this pencil line. The location of the pencil beam within the object image can be derived from the conveyor moving the object and the rotating disk with apertures that generate the pencil beam. It is possible to generate a direct luminescent image of an object with the transmission detector and an enhanced low Z image from the backscatter detectors and display them on separate monitors.
Preferably, the images produced by the transmission detector and backscatter detector are displayed as adjacent windows of the same monitor. Signal information from the transmission detector is used to correct for attenuation effects in the backscatter images, thereby avoiding artifacts in the low Z images produced by attenuation due to high Z objects. Conversely, signal information from the backscatter detectors can be used to correct for scatter effects in the transmission image, thereby avoiding artifacts in the high Z image produced by scattering attenuation due to low Z objects. By means of these corrections a greater fraction of the image on the high Z window display is derived from absorption effects of high Z objects, and a greater fraction of the image on the low Z window display is derived from scattering effects of low Z objects. Accordingly, the images displayed by the high Z and low Z windows are more distinct.
Tomographic information can optionally be obtained by using additional Compton backscatter detectors. Backscattered X-rays originating from elements close to the bottom of the object hit mainly the scintillator next to the entrance slit, while backscatter from elements further up the pencil beam hit all backscatter scintillation detectors nearly equally. Photon collection efficiency is improved and real-time image noise is reduced, when compared to collimation methods that limit angular admittance of photons. The tomographic zones can be displayed in windowed sections on a single monitor or on separate monitors.
In some embodiments of the invention, dual energy information is optionally obtained with the transmission detection system. Such information can be obtained, for example, by using at least one additional detector overlaying the extant transmission detector. Alternatively, the output of the transmission detector can be analyzed, e.g. by pulse height analysis, to divide the detected transmission signal into low energy and high energy components. This information can be displayed as a dual energy image, which is color coded to designate the atomic number of an object under inspection. A single energy image yields only object radiographic density information, as contrasted to a dual energy image, which yields radiographic density and atomic number, Z, of the object under inspection. Combining the information from the backscatter data and dual energy data can further enhance discrimination of different materials and aid in the separation of overlaying materials of different atomic number Z.
By employing relatively fast scintillators for faster X-ray detection efficiency, the present invention significantly improves image resolution. Detector design is improved by the use of optically adiabatic scintillators. The system switches between photon-counting and photon integration modes to reduce noise and significantly increase overall image quality. In addition, the system automatically adjusts belt speed (i) to allow rapid entrance into the inspection zone, (ii) slow traverse through the inspection zone to prolong residence therein of articles appointed for inspection, and (iii) allow rapid exit from the inspection zone. This automatic belt speed adjustment feature affords increased resolution and reduced noise with minimum speed penalty. Advantageously, the system provides a sharper and more quickly acquired image that affords improved capability for recognizing bombs, firearms and other weapons, currency, narcotics, incendiary materials, agents that pose biological, chemical, or radiological danger, and other contraband shapes and accompaniments.
The invention will be more fully understood and further advantages will become apparent when reference is had to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote similar elements throughout the several views, and in which:
The invention provides an apparatus and method for X-ray inspection systems that utilize radiation transmitted through and scattered from the object under inspection to detect weapons, narcotics, explosives or other contraband.
Specifically, as shown in
The conveyor used in the present invention is preferably a belt conveyor of the type known in the art. The belt preferably is thin and made of suitable fabric, polymer, rubber, or other similar pliable substance that has a low X-ray absorbance. Alternatively, the belt may be formed of a mesh or may comprise chains or the like at its lateral edges that connect transverse slats on which items being conveyed are supported.
In an alternative embodiment, the wheel is vertical and provided with holes along its rounded side such that a beam of X-rays is swept along the object. This pencil beam originates from an x-ray source, which emits radiation into cone. A rotating lead covered wheel with four small holes 90 degree apart, makes this conical radiation into a scanning pencil beam. One rotation of the wheel will result in four pencil beam passes through the object under inspection.
Fast backscatter detectors 12 and 13 generate a backscatter signal when detecting X-rays backscattered by object 15. The fast backscatter detectors 12 and 13 are positioned on the same side of the moving object 15 as the X-ray generation device 20 and across from each other and proximate to pencil beam entrance slit 27. Preferably, the fast backscatter detectors 12 and 13 are proximate to (and more preferably, substantially parallel to) pencil beam entrance slit 27 and are comprised of scintillators 40 and 42 and photon detectors 48 and 49 respectively. Scintillators 40 and 42 are comprised of suitable organic plastic, which may be either unloaded or loaded, e.g. with lead or tin. Photon detectors 48 and 49 are preferably photomultipliers. Alternatively, scintillators 40 and 42 are comprised of short persistence phosphor such as Gd2SiO5 or Y2O2Si. Optionally, only one backscatter detector is used.
In an alternative embodiment shown in
As a further option, two distal backscatter detectors 18 and 19 are employed and positioned to bracket backscatter detectors 12 and 13, as shown in
From the portion of pencil beam 26 which is scattered from object 15, most of the backscatter will hit one of the backscatter detectors. Scattered radiation which originates from the top of object 15 is picked up rather equally by all backscatter detectors, while scattered radiation which originates closer to the bottom of object 15 shows up mainly in the detectors 40 and 42.
A further alternative is illustrated by
These scintillators convert the backscatter x-ray energy reaching them into light photons. These light photons are conducted in the scintillators to their respective photomultiplier tubes, which convert the light photons into electrical form as backscatter signals.
As shown in
In another embodiment of the apparatus of the invention depicted by
Scintillators 30, 31, and 32 convert most of the x-ray energy reaching them into light photons. These light photons are conducted in the scintillators to photomultiplier tubes 38 and 39, which convert the light photons into transmission signals.
Referring to
The reconstructed images of the transmission signal, backscatter signal, and the distal backscatter signal can be displayed separately or as a combined image showing suspicious material as a colored area.
A method to carry out X-ray inspection of an object using transmitted and Compton backscattered radiation in accordance with the invention is shown in
Additional scintillation detectors at the top and sides, in close proximity with the scintillation detectors for the transmitted radiation, create additional tomographic layers of resolution and improve the transmission image. The improvement is especially advantageous for high attenuation of the transmitted radiation. The forward scatter is measured and used as a correction for the transmitted radiance detector, which automatically captures forward scatter together with the transmitted radiation. Since the transmission scintillator detector system is divided into sections, those sections which are not currently collecting transmission image information can be used to collect scattered X-rays in the forward direction. The detection of these scattered X-rays can be used to improve the backscatter image or used to create an additional tomographic layer. In
In
Having thus described the invention in rather full detail, it will be understood that such detail need not be strictly adhered to, but that additional changes and modifications may suggest themselves to one skilled in the art, all falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the subjoined claims.
Claims
1. A scanning X-ray inspection system, comprising:
- a) a conveyor having a belt for moving an object to be scanned though said system;
- b) an X-ray generation device for generating a pencil beam of X-rays repeatedly sweeping along a straight line across said conveyor, thereby scanning said object as it moves through said system, said X-ray generation device being disposed outside said belt;
- c) a fast backscatter detector for generating a backscatter signal when detecting said X-rays backscattered by said object moving on said conveyor, said backscatter detector being disposed on the same side of said moving object as said X-ray generation device, outside said belt, and proximate to said straight line; and said fast backscatter detector comprising two elongated scintillator sections optically linked to at least one photon detector, each of said sections being oppositely disposed along said straight line;
- d) a transmission detector for generating a transmission signal when detecting said X-rays traversing said object moving on said conveyor, said transmission detector being positioned on the opposite side of said object as said backscatter detector, whereby said object moves between said transmission detector and said backscatter detector;
- e) a processor for processing said backscatter and transmission signals for a display; and
- f) a display means for displaying a backscatter image and/or a transmission image.
2. A system as recited by claim 1, whereby said fast backscatter detector comprises a scintillator having a short persistence phosphor and at least one photon detector.
3. A system as recited by claim 2, wherein said short persistence phosphor is either Gd2SiO5 or Y2O2Si.
4. A system as recited by claim 2, wherein said fast scattering detector comprises an organic plastic scintillator.
5. A system as recited by claim 1, said system being a tomographic system and further comprising a second fast backscatter detector positioned along said straight line and opposite from said fast backscatter detector.
6. A system as recited by claim 1, said system being a tomographic system and further comprising a plurality of distal fast backscatter detectors for detecting X-rays scattered from the distal portion of said object, said distal fast backscatter detectors being disposed alongside said fast backscatter detector whereby said fast backscatter detector is positioned between said straight line and said distal fast backscatter detectors.
7. A system as recited by claim 1, wherein said processor is switchable between photon counting and photon integration modes.
8. A system as recited by claim 6, wherein said processor is automatically switchable between photon counting and photon integration modes.
9. A system as recited by claim 1, whereby said transmission detector comprises a scintillator having a short persistence phosphor and at least one photon detector.
10. A system as by claim 9, wherein said short persistence phosphor is either Gd2SiO5 or Y2O2Si.
11. A system as recited by claim 9, wherein said fast scattering detector comprises an organic plastic scintillator.
12. A system as recited by claim 1, whereby said transmission detector comprises three elongated sections optically linked to at least one photon detector, said sections being linked to form three sides of an open rectangle.
13. A system as recited by claim 1, wherein said conveyor has a belt and said system automatically adjusts the belt speed: (i) to allow rapid entrance into an inspection zone wherein said object is contacted by said pencil beam of X-rays; (ii) to slow traverse through the inspection zone to prolong residence therein of said object; and (iii) to allow rapid exit from the inspection zone.
14. A system as recited by claim 1, further comprising at least one additional transmission detector overlaying said transmission detector for detecting high energy X-rays, said at least one additional transmission detector producing a high energy X-ray signal and transmitting said high energy X-ray signal to said processor, said high energy X-ray signal being combined with the signal from said transmission detector to produce an information stream containing radiographic density and atomic number data.
15. A system as recited by claim 14, further comprising a filtering material disposed between said transmission detector and said additional transmission detector for increasing discrimination between X-rays having different energies.
16. A system as recited by claim 1, wherein said display means is operative to display each of said backscatter and transmission images, and said images displayed as adjacent windows on a single monitor.
17. A system as recited by claim 1, wherein said signal from said transmission detector is used to correct for attenuation effects in said backscatter image, thereby avoiding artifacts in the low Z images produced by attenuation due to high Z objects.
18. A system as recited by claim 1, wherein said signal from said backscatter detector is used to correct for scatter effects in said transmission image, thereby avoiding artifacts in the high Z image produced by scattering attenuation due to low Z objects.
19. A scanning X-ray inspection system, comprising:
- a) a conveyor having a belt for moving an object to be scanned though said system;
- b) an X-ray generation device for generating a pencil beam of X-rays repeatedly sweeping along a straight line across said conveyor, thereby scanning said object as it moves through said system, said X-ray generation device being disposed outside said belt;
- c) a fast backscatter detector for generating a backscatter signal when detecting said X-rays backscattered by said object moving on said conveyor, said fast backscatter detector comprising a scintillator having a short persistence phosphor and at least one photon detector and being disposed on the same side of said moving object as said X-ray generation device, outside said belt, and proximate to said straight line; and said fast backscatter detector comprising two elongated scintillator sections optically linked to said at least one photon detector, each of said sections being oppositely disposed along said straight line;
- d) a transmission detector for generating a transmission signal when detecting said X-rays traversing said object moving on said conveyor, said transmission detector comprising a scintillator having a short persistence phosphor and at least one photon detector and being positioned on the opposite side of said object as said backscatter detector, whereby said object moves between said transmission detector and said backscatter detector;
- e) a processor for processing said backscatter and transmission signals for a display; and
- f) a display means for displaying a backscatter image and/or a transmission image.
20. A method for X-ray inspection of an object using transmitted and Compton backscattered radiation, comprising the steps of:
- a) providing an X-ray source, a conveyor having a belt, a fast transmission detector, and a fast backscatter detector, said X-ray source and said fast backscatter detector being disposed on one side of said belt and said fast backscatter detector comprising two elongated scintillator sections optically linked to at least one photon detector, and said transmission detector being disposed on the other side of said belt;
- b) generating a pencil beam of X-rays using said X-ray source;
- c) transporting said object on said belt of said conveyor between said X-ray source and said transmission detector and through said pencil beam;
- d) scanning said object with said pencil beam of X-rays;
- e) detecting X-ray transmission through said object using said fast transmission detector;
- f) selecting a detection mode for detecting said transmission X-rays, said mode being at least one of photon integration and photon counting;
- g) detecting X-rays backscattered from said object using said fast backscatter detector;
- h) selecting a detection mode for detecting said backscattered X-rays, said mode being at least one of photon integration and photon counting;
- i) forming a transmission image from said detected transmission X-rays
- j) displaying said transmission image;
- k) forming a backscattered image from said detected backscattered X-rays; and
- l) displaying said backscattered image.
21. A method as recited by claim 20, further comprising the steps of:
- a) combining said backscattered image and said transmission image into a composite image; and
- b) displaying said composite image.
22. A method as recited by claim 20, wherein said photon counting and photon integrating modes are combined and photon counting and photon integration are carried out simultaneously.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Nov 12, 2003
Date of Patent: Jul 4, 2006
Patent Publication Number: 20050089140
Assignee: Control Screening, LLC (Fairfield, NJ)
Inventors: Arthur W. Mario (Hopatcong, NJ), Scott D. Kravis (West Caldwell, NJ)
Primary Examiner: Allen C. Ho
Attorney: ErnestD.Buff& Associates,LLC
Application Number: 10/712,415
International Classification: G01N 23/04 (20060101); G01N 23/203 (20060101); G01T 1/20 (20060101); G01T 1/203 (20060101);